"Visiting Assistant Professor of Africana Studies"

Visiting Assistant Professor of Africana Studies

Academic Year 2026–2027

Position Overview

The Department of Africana Studies at Brown University invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor in the field of African studies for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a full-time position with a teaching load of two courses per semester (four courses total). The successful candidate will teach primarily at the undergraduate level, with the possibility of offering a graduate-level course during the appointment.

We seek an imaginative and intellectually adventurous scholar-teacher whose work reflects the expansive, interdisciplinary character of Africana Studies as a field. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. (or expect to complete the degree by the time of appointment) and must have substantive solo teaching experience beyond service as a teaching or research assistant. We are looking for someone who brings both scholarly rigor and creative energy to the classroom and who can contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of a department committed to innovative approaches to the study of Africa.

Area of Focus

Area of specialization is open. However, we are especially interested in scholars whose teaching and research extend beyond conventional historical approaches and who are equipped to offer courses in one or more of the following areas:

• Arts, Culture, and Aesthetics: fashion and material culture; visual art and curatorial practice; music and sound studies; film and media studies; literary studies and creative writing.
• Technology, Science, and the Environment: Extractive practices and Black technocultures; environmental justice and climate change; science and technology studies as they relate to communities of Africa.
• Political Economy and Public Life: political economy and political theory; public policy and applied research; urban studies; health equity and social welfare.

Department Context

The Department of Africana Studies at Brown is a leading interdisciplinary department with particular strengths in history studies; women, gender, and sexuality studies; applied Black studies and public policy; and political theory and economy. Our faculty and students pursue scholarship that crosses disciplinary boundaries and connects critical inquiry to public life. The visiting assistant professor will join a collegial and intellectually engaged community of scholars and will have access to the full range of resources available at Brown, including research libraries, centers, and institutes.

Responsibilities

• Teaching: Develop and teach four diverse courses across the academic year (two per semester), primarily at the undergraduate level, with the possibility of one graduate seminar. Courses should reflect the candidate’s scholarly expertise and contribute to the department’s curricular breadth.
• Scholarship: Maintain an active research and/or creative agenda. The department values scholars who are engaged in producing original work and who bring that intellectual energy into their teaching.
• Service: Participate in the intellectual life of the department, including attendance at departmental events, colloquia, and related programming.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $70,000.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community and encourages applications from individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Qualifications

Required: Ph.D. in Africana Studies, African Studies, or a related field (completed or expected by the start of appointment). Demonstrated record of solo teaching at the college or university level beyond assistantship roles. Evidence of interdisciplinary scholarly or creative engagement.

Preferred: Teaching experience in at least one of the areas of interest listed above. A record of innovative course design. Experience mentoring diverse student populations.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications, teaching philosophy, and areas of scholarly or creative focus.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. A teaching statement that includes a description of courses you are prepared to offer, including at least two sample course syllabi with brief descriptions.
4. A writing sample or portfolio of creative/scholarly work (no more than 25 pages).
5. Three letters of recommendation.

Applications should be submitted through Interfolio [link]. Review of applications will begin [date] and will continue until the position is filled.